£40 million pound pay out for victims of abuse at a home run by Lambeth Council

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Lambeth Council have agreed to pay compensation to thousands of former residents who suffered abuse at a home run by the Council from 1950 to 1980.

It is thought that 700 children suffered physical and sexual abuse there over a period of 30 years. The pay-out of £40 million pounds is the biggest of its kind. Lambeth Council have also agreed to pay compensation to every resident irrespective of whether they suffered abuse.

This unprecedented step has been taken by the Council as they accept that all residents were at risk. Residents who suffered abuse will receive larger compensation payments.

Shirley Oaks Survivors Association (SOSA) has prepared a report which states that there was a “60 strong paedophile ring” at the home which involved, “Doctors, teachers, priests, police officers, sport coaches and council workers.”

It has been reported that the Council turned a blind eye to the abuse and “allowed staff to abuse in packs”. Almost of the abusers have escaped justice and 48 victims died between the years of 1970 – 1989.

SOSA has also discovered that there were other Lambeth run homes where “paedophile network of up to 30 members” operated. Many of these abusers are still alive.”

Lib Peck, Lambeth Council Leader has made an apology to everyone affected. She commented that the report by SOSA ,“is an incredibly powerful report. It is very ,very distressing to hear about their suffering which continues today. The report shines a light on a very, very dark period in Lambeth’s history which I feel ashamed to be in anyway associated with.”

Following the SOSA report six police forces have commenced investigations.